Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing remote participation in multi-media events

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing remote participation in events are provided. A method includes providing a view of an instance of an application on endpoint systems in response to a common option selected by the endpoint systems of the application. The method also includes receiving performance data from the endpoint systems, and populating the view with virtual representations of users of each of the endpoint systems. The populating includes positioning the virtual representations at various locations in the view. The various locations are indicative of the performance data.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to networking, and moreparticularly, to methods, systems, and computer program products forproviding remote participation in multi-media events.

As more and more individuals are opting for a healthier lifestyle,fitness enterprises look for new and more interesting exercise programsto engage their customers and maintain long term commitments. Boredom isoften cited as one of the main reasons people fail to maintain anexercise regime. Group exercise has recently become more popular as away of maintaining interest in a program over time. Group exercise isknown to stimulate social interactions and create friendships, which canhelp eliminate boredom. However, it is not always feasible to findgroups of like-minded individuals who share the same interests inexercise activities. Moreover, even once these like-minded individualsare found, it is not always feasible to synchronize exercise plans amongindividuals who have busy lives and limited free time. In thesesituations, one might need to go beyond the convenience of locality tofind others who share the same fitness goals.

What is needed, therefore, is a way to provide a means in whichindividuals in disparate locations can remotely and simultaneouslyengage in events.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The above-stated shortcomings and disadvantages are overcome oralleviated by methods, systems, and computer program products forproviding remote participation in events.

The method includes providing a view of an instance of an application onendpoint systems in response to a common option selected by the endpointsystems of the application. The method also includes receivingperformance data from the endpoint systems, and populating the view withvirtual representations of users of each of the endpoint systems. Thepopulating includes positioning the virtual representations at variouslocations in the view. The various locations are indicative of theperformance data.

The system includes a host system computer and an application executingon the host system computer. The application implements a method. Themethod includes providing a view of an instance of an application onendpoint systems in response to a common option selected by the endpointsystems of the application. The method also includes receivingperformance data from the endpoint systems, and populating the view withvirtual representations of users of each of the endpoint systems. Thepopulating includes positioning the virtual representations at variouslocations in the view. The various locations are indicative of theperformance data.

The computer program product includes a computer-readable storage mediumfor providing remote participation in events. The computer programproduct includes a computer-readable storage medium embodied withcomputer-readable program instructions, which when executed by acomputer cause the computer to implement a method. The method includesproviding a view of an instance of an application on endpoint systems inresponse to a common option selected by the endpoint systems of theapplication. The method also includes receiving performance data fromthe endpoint systems, and populating the view with virtualrepresentations of users of each of the endpoint systems. The populatingincludes positioning the virtual representations at various locations inthe view. The various locations are indicative of the performance data.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toexemplary embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill inthe art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description.It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/orcomputer program products be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the exemplary embodiments, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system upon which remote participation inmulti-media events may be implemented in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing remoteparticipation in multi-media events in exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3C are sample computer screen windows for initiating remoteparticipation in multi-media events; and

FIG. 4 is a user interface window illustrating a sample group event asseen by an end user of the remote participation in multi-media eventssystem in exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, remote participation inmulti-media events is provided. The remote participation in multi-mediaevents services provide users with an engaging experience in virtualparticipation in physical activities. The remote participation inmulti-media events system utilizes various devices, such as mobiletelephones, Internet Protocol-enabled televisions (IPTVs), and computersto provide a rich user interface to each user, and connects the userstogether with communication elements over various networks.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary system 100 upon which the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services may be implemented isdepicted. The system 100 includes a host system 102 executing computerinstructions for performing remote participation in multi-media eventsas described more fully below. Host system 102 may comprise a high-speedcomputer processing device, such as a mainframe computer, to manage thevolume of operations governed by an entity for which the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services are provided.

In one exemplary embodiment, the host system 102 may be part of anenterprise (e.g., a commercial business) that implements the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services. Host system 102 may be atelecommunication service provider, Internet service provider,application service provider, or other commercial enterprise.Alternatively, the remote participation in multi-media events servicesmay be implemented in conjunction with a social networking site. In afurther embodiment, the remote participation in multi-media eventsservices may be implemented as a standalone application that is executedon end user devices that are network enabled.

The host system 102 is in communication with network entities via one ormore networks 106. As shown in FIG. 1, network entities include endpointsystems 104. The remote participation in group multi-media events may beimplemented using a variety of wireless and wireline networkingtechnologies such as a packet-switched network, a cellular network, andmay include available technologies such as satellite, globalpositioning, and other resources. In addition, the networks 106 mayinclude any type of known network including, but not limited to, a widearea network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a global network (e.g.,Internet), a virtual private network (VPN), and an intranet.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1 includesendpoint systems 104 through which users at one or more geographiclocations may contact the host system 102 and other endpoint systems104. The endpoint systems 104 may be coupled to the host system 102 viaone or more of the networks 106, depending upon the type of devicesemployed by the endpoint systems 104. The endpoint systems 104 representone or more devices, components, or apparatuses associated with a useror household or other entity that utilizes the remote participation inmulti-media events services. For example, an endpoint system 104 mayrepresent devices owned/operated by members of a household.

As shown in FIG. 1, two endpoint systems 104 each include a performancedata capturing device 114, a communication device 124, and a graphicaldisplay device 134. It will be understood that while only a singleperformance data capturing device 114, communication device 124, andgraphical display device 134 for each endpoint system 104 is shown inFIG. 1 for illustrative purposes, multiple devices 114, 124, and/or 134may be resident within the endpoint systems 104. Likewise, while onlytwo endpoint systems 104 are shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes,it will be understood that any number of such endpoint systems 104 maybe included to utilize the remote participation in multi-media eventsservices described herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, endpoint system 104 includes stationaryexercise equipment, such as a treadmill, stair climber, ellipticalmachine, rowing machine, and/or stationary bicycle (not shown). Theendpoint system 104 may also include mobile exercise devices, such as aroad bicycle, and other similar devices (not shown). If the endpointsystem 104 includes stationary exercise equipment, the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services may be employed in a fixedlocation (e.g., a user's home, fitness club, etc.). Alternatively, or inaddition thereto, if the endpoint system 104 includes mobile exercisedevices, the remote participation in multi-media events services may beemployed in a mobile environment (e.g., a jogging trail), as will bedescribed further herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, the endpoint system 104 also includes one ormore performance capturing devices 114. The performance capturing device114 receives or captures data relating to a user with respect toactivities performed in association with one or more of the stationaryexercise equipment and the mobile exercise devices. Types of performancecapturing devices may include a pedometer, accelerometer, globalpositioning system (GPS), and various sensors. Types of data captured byperformance capturing devices 114 may include speed, distance, grade,resistance, or level with respect to an individual's exerciseperformance. Other types of data captured may include wind speed,topographical/geographical data, real-time images/video of an individualor environment, and audio/textual commentary from an individual, to namea few. In one exemplary embodiment, the performance capturing device(s)114 are built into one or more of the stationary exercise equipment andthe mobile exercise devices. For example, current treadmills areequipped with mechanisms for capturing speed, distance, incline,calories burned, and other performance data.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 124 includescomponents for receiving and transmitting content, such as data, images,video, sound, etc. The communication device 124 may be a wirelessportable communications device (cellular telephone, digital cameraphone, video camera phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or otherhandheld communications device). The communication device 124 mayalternatively be a wired communication device, such as a general-purposecomputer, telephone, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) device, and InternetProtocol-enabled television (IPTV), to name a few. It will be understoodthat any of the performance capturing devices 114 may be integratedwithin the communication devices 124. For example, GPS functionality(performance capturing device) may be built into a cellular telephone(communication device). Likewise, any of the communication devices 124may be integrated within the performance capturing devices 114.

In an exemplary embodiment, graphical display device 134 includescomponents for presenting information to a user of the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services. The graphical displaydevice 134 may be, e.g., a display monitor on one of the communicationdevices 124 and/or stationary/mobile exercise equipment or devices.

One or more of the devices 114, 124, and 134 may include a computerprocessor, memory, input/output components, and a communication bus thatdelivers data to and from these components. The devices 114, 124, and134 may also include a communications component for enabling one or moredevices 114, 124, and 134 to communication with one another, as well asone or more of networks 106.

In an exemplary embodiment, the endpoint system 104, through one or moreof its devices 114, 124, and 134, executes logic for implementing theremote participation in multi-media events services. The endpoint system104 utilizes a user interface provided by the remote participation inmulti-media events services, as will be described further herein. Asample user interface screen is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As indicated above, each endpoint system 104 may be implemented usingone or more computer processors executing a computer program forcarrying out the processes described herein. The processing describedherein may be shared by the endpoint system 104 and the host system 102(e.g., by providing an applet to the endpoint system 104). Endpointsystem 104 may be operated by end users of the remote participation inmulti-media events services, as described herein.

For example, an endpoint system 104, through one or more of its devices114, 124, and 134, may be coupled to the host system 102 throughmultiple networks (e.g., intranet and Internet) so that not all endpointsystems 104 are coupled to the host system 102 through the same network.One or more of the endpoint systems 104 and the host system 102 may beconnected to the networks 106 in a wireless fashion.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the data capturing devices 114capture performance data, which may be transmitted along withmulti-media content (e.g., images, real-time video, audio, etc.) for anevent or activity to the host system 102.

The host system 102 is also in communication with a storage device 108,which includes a data repository with data relating to the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services, as well as otherdata/information desired by the entity representing the host system 102of FIG. 1. For example, the storage device 108 may store memberrecords/event information as described further herein. The storagedevice 108 may be logically addressable as a consolidated data sourceacross a distributed environment that includes networks 106. Informationstored in the host system 102 memory may be retrieved and manipulatedthrough the host system 102 and/or via the endpoint systems 104.

The host system 102 depicted in the system of FIG. 1 may be implementedusing one or more servers operating in response to a computer programstored in a storage medium accessible by the server. The host system 102may operate as a network server (e.g., a web server) to communicate withthe endpoint system 104. The host system 102 handles sending andreceiving information to and from the endpoint system 104 and canperform associated tasks. The host system 102 may also include afirewall to prevent unauthorized access to the host system 102 andenforce any limitations on authorized access. For instance, anadministrator may have access to the entire system and have authority tomodify portions of the system. A firewall may be implemented usingconventional hardware and/or software as is known in the art.

The host system 102 may also operate as an application server. The hostsystem 102 executes one or more computer programs to provide the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services. As shown in FIG. 1, anapplication 110 executes on the host system 102 for providing the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services.

As indicated above, processing may be shared by the endpoint system 104and the host system 102 by providing an application (e.g., java applet)to the endpoint system 104. Alternatively, the endpoint system 104 caninclude a stand-alone software application for performing a portion orall of the processing described herein. As previously described, it isunderstood that separate servers may be utilized to implement thenetwork server functions and the application server functions.Alternatively, the network server, the firewall, and the applicationserver may be implemented by a single server executing computer programsto perform the requisite functions.

It will be understood that the remote participation in multi-mediaevents processes described herein may be implemented in hardware,software, or a combination thereof.

As indicated above, the remote participation in multi-media eventsservices provide users with an engaging experience in virtualparticipation in physical activities (also referred to herein as“events”). The experience may be represented on graphical display device134 as a real-time event that includes real images of a user (e.g.,streaming video of a user engaged in a physical activity), or as areal-time event that utilizes virtual representations of a user (e.g.,an avatar) engaged in the physical activity. If the event implementsvirtual representations of users, the event, as displayed in a view byan instance of the application 110, may include an animated event course(e.g., a simulated running/walking trail, simulated staircase, simulatedriver or other body of water, etc., depending upon the nature of theevent or activity). These, and other features of the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services, are described further inFIGS. 2-4.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user accesses the remote participation inmulti-media events services via a user interface provided by theapplication 110 executing on host system 102. In one exemplaryembodiment, if this is a first-time user, the user may be prompted toenter identifying information, such as name and contact information(e.g., email address), a sample user interface screen 300 of FIG. 3Aillustrates this process. The user may also be prompted to select acommunity to join, as shown in FIG. 3A (i.e., JOIN NEW). By way ofillustration, the remote participation in multi-media events servicesmay be configured to provide group memberships based upon a user'sinterests. For example, groups, or communities may be designated forthose who are interested in running, walking, rowing, stairclimbing, orother physical activity, whereby each physical activity may be definedfor a particular group.

In one embodiment, the user may also be prompted to enter informationabout devices utilized in these physical activities (e.g., one or moredevices 114, 124, 134, and stationary/mobile exercise devices orequipment (e.g., by selecting the DEVICE option shown in FIG. 3A). Thedevice information may include descriptions of the type of communicationdevices 124 (e.g., cellular telephone, IPTV, desktop computer, etc.), aswell as the capabilities of such devices 124. In addition, the deviceinformation may include descriptions of the type of exercise equipment(e.g., treadmill, stairclimber, stationary bike, etc.) and/or datacapturing devices 114 (e.g., cellular telephone, IPTV, desktop computer,camera/video recorder, etc.), as well as the capabilities of suchdevices 114. Alternatively, some of this information may beautomatically discovered by the host system 102 when the user accessesthe application 110 using one of the devices (e.g., by using a cellularphone, personal computer, etc.). Once this information is provided tothe application 110, the application 110 may create and store thisinformation in a member record for the user and/or the endpoint system104 associated with the user.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an exemplary process for implementing the remoteparticipation in multi-media events services will now be described. Auser accesses the application 110 in order to participate in an event,such as a virtual group jogging activity. The user accesses theapplication 110 via a user interface provided by the application 110,and which may be visualized, e.g., on one of the devices 114, 124, and134 via a display element. A sample user interface screen 320 is shownin FIG. 3B. The user may be prompted to enter a username/passwordcombination as part of a log in process, where the log in informationwas generated via the user interface screen 310 of FIG. 3A (e.g., viathe USER INFO selection). The user may further be prompted to eitherjoin a new community or select from an existing community to which theuser is currently a member. For example, if the user opted to join acommunity through the JOIN NEW option in FIG. 3A, this user may thenselect this community as a member from the SELECT CURRENT option in FIG.3B.

The user may also select from existing devices 114, 124, and/or 134 foruse in identifying or planning the desired event. If the user wishes togenerate a new event to occur at a future time, the user may select aPLAN EVENT option on the user interface screen 320 of FIG. 3B. This newevent may be created by the user and the information then stored instorage device 108. The details of the new event, e.g., date, time,event type (e.g., running, cycling, rowing, etc.) along with device typeinformation (e.g., a simulated event course generated by the application110 or a real life course that is captured via, e.g., live streamingdata and distributed to other endpoint systems 104 who are participatingin the event). Once the event is created, it may be accessed by membersof the community to which the user belongs, and/or to the generalpopulation of users of the remote participation in multi-media eventsservices if desired. For example, once the event is created and stored,other users who access the application via the user interface screen 320of FIG. 3B may discover the event, e.g., by selecting a correspondinggroup associated with the user who created the event.

In addition to creating an event, a user may also join a live ongoingevent by selecting LIVE EVENT from the user interface screen 320 of FIG.3B. By selecting this option, various currently occurring events may bedisplayed to the user for selection and participation. These currentlyoccurring events displayed to the user are referred to herein as “views”of the application 110. Regardless of whether the user wishes to createa new event or join an existing event, the application 110 presentsanother user interface screen 330 to the user for providing additionalinformation. The user may select from various events (e.g., RUNNERCOURSE, CYCLING COURSE, WALKING TRAIL, ROWING COURSE) to either plan anew event or join an existing event. In addition, the user may choose toplay a particular role in a selected event by selecting from the optionsPARTICIPANT/COACH/SPECTATOR. PARTICIPANT refers to an active role in theevent (e.g., physically running the runner course event). COACH refersto a supportive role in the event (e.g., a motivator). SPECTATOR refersto a non-participating observer of the event.

If the event is one which is being created by the user (i.e., PLANEVENT), the user may be prompted to select from friends or participantsor groups to which an invitation or notice of the planned event may besent. This option may be implemented by selecting SEND TOFRIEND/COMMUNITY option in FIG. 3C.

At the time of the event (e.g., either when the user joins a live eventor a planned event is underway), the application 110 provides a view ofthe event to corresponding users based upon criteria such as groupmembership, user request, type of event, etc., at step 202.

The view represents an instance of the application 110, which may beperceived as a real or simulated course or activity. A user interfacescreen 400 of FIG. 4 displays a sample of an ongoing current event. Asshown in FIG. 4, there are three participants 422 in the event and onecoach (see, e.g., panel 430). The three participants 422 are activelyengaged in a simulated runner's course, as shown in panel 420. Thecourse 424 is illustrated as road with three mile markers 426.

At step 204, the application 110 receives performance data from theparticipants 422 through their corresponding user endpoint systems 104and devices 114, 124, and 134. For example, one of the participants maybe running on a treadmill at home, whereby the performance data, such asspeed, distance, incline, etc., is captured by the treadmill (serving asthe performance capturing device 114) and transmitted via thecommunication device 124 to the host system 102, which then processesthe performance data as described further herein. In another example,one of the participants 422 may be running on an outdoor track. Variousperformance capturing devices 114, such as a GPS device, pedometer,video recording device, accelerometer, or a combination of the above maybe used to capture the performance data and simultaneously transmit thedata to the host system 102.

In addition, the application 110 may also receive other informationbesides performance data. For example, the application 110 may receiveaudio commentary, video commentary, images, text-based messages, andother communications from any of the participants, coaches, or observersof the event via, e.g., one or more of the devices 114, 124, and 134 onendpoint system 104.

At step 206, the application 110 processes the performance data receivedin step 204, and populates views of the event with representations ofthe users/participants of the endpoint systems 104 using positional dataderived from the performance data. For example, the application 110 mayutilize a start time associated with the event, along with speed anddistance data to simulate a location on the course that specifies theperformance or progress of each participant. As indicated above, factorssuch as wind speed, topography, resistance, and other performance dataderived from the endpoint systems 104 may be used to calibrate, andmaybe modify, these positional locations on the course 424. In oneexemplary embodiment, where various settings of the endpoint systems 104can be controlled (e.g., the incline of a treadmill or the resistance ofa stationary bike), the application 110 may be configured toautomatically adjust these settings to mimic the terrain of a user atanother endpoint system 104 who is participating in the event. Forexample, suppose a first user of an endpoint system 104 is participatingin a jogging event via a treadmill, and a second user of anotherendpoint system 104 is participating in the jogging event via a realcourse (e.g., outdoor jogging trail). Various sensors of the secondendpoint system 104 may capture data relating to the relative incline ofthe course and then use this captured data to modify the settings on thetreadmill operated by the first user. Likewise, if the second user ofthe other endpoint system 104 is participating in the jogging event viaa treadmill, and the user increases the incline of the treadmill, theapplication 110 may capture this modified setting and adjust thesettings on the first endpoint system 104 (e.g., first user's treadmill)to match the setting of the second treadmill.

The application 110 may display updated performance data on the views,as shown in panel 410 of FIG. 4. Non-participants, such as a userrepresenting a coach, may access a view of the event and providecomments via one or more devices from the endpoint system 104, which isthen populated in a panel 430 for each participant to see.

As described above, the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in theform of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicingthose processes. The exemplary embodiments can also be embodied in theform of computer program code containing instructions embodied intangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or anyother computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computerprogram code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computerbecomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The exemplaryembodiments can also be embodied in the form of computer program code,for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/orexecuted by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium,such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or viaelectromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code isloaded into an executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatusfor practicing the exemplary embodiments. When implemented on ageneral-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segmentsconfigure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include all embodimentsfalling within the scope of the claims.

1. A method for providing remote participation in events, comprising:providing a view of an instance of an application on endpoint systems inresponse to a common option selected by the endpoint systems of theapplication; receiving performance data from the endpoint systems; andpopulating the view with virtual representations of users of each of theendpoint systems, the populating including positioning the virtualrepresentations at various locations in the view, the various locationsindicative of the performance data.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe view represents an event selected as the common option, the eventcomprising at least one of: a simulated exercise course; and a liveexercise course.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the view includes theperformance data for each of the users and at least one of: audiocomments from at least one of the users; video comments from at leastone of the users; images from one at least one of the users; andtext-based messages from at least one of the users.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the performance data is captured by devices of theendpoint systems, the devices including: a performance capturing device;a communication device; and a graphical display device.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the performance capturing device comprises at least oneof: a pedometer, accelerometer, global positioning system, and sensors;and wherein types of data captured by performance capturing devicesinclude speed, distance, grade, and resistance.
 6. The method of claim4, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of: acellular telephone, digital camera phone, video camera phone, personaldigital assistant, general-purpose computer, telephone, voice-over-IPdevice, and Internet Protocol-enabled television.
 7. The method of claim4, wherein the graphical display device comprises a display monitor. 8.The method of claim 4, wherein at least one of the devices is embeddedinto a physical exercise machine.
 9. A system for providing remoteparticipation in events, comprising: a host system computer; and anapplication executing on the host system computer, the applicationimplementing a method, comprising: providing a view of an instance of anapplication on endpoint systems in response to a common option selectedby the endpoint systems of the application; receiving performance datafrom the endpoint systems; and populating the view with virtualrepresentations of users of each of the endpoint systems, the populatingincluding positioning the virtual representations at various locationsin the view, the various locations indicative of the performance data.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the view represents an event selectedas the common option, the event comprising at least one of: a simulatedexercise course; and a live exercise course; and wherein the viewincludes the performance data for each of the users and at least one of:audio comments from at least one of the users; video comments from atleast one of the users; images from one at least one of the users; andtext-based messages from at least one of the users.
 11. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the performance data is captured by devices of theendpoint systems, the devices including: a performance capturing device;a communication device; and a graphical display device.
 12. The systemof claim 11, wherein the performance capturing device comprises at leastone of: a pedometer, accelerometer, global positioning system, andsensors; and wherein types of data captured by performance capturingdevices include speed, distance, grade, and resistance.
 13. The systemof claim 11, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of:a cellular telephone, digital camera phone, video camera phone, personaldigital assistant, general-purpose computer, telephone, voice-over-IPdevice, and Internet Protocol-enabled television; and wherein thegraphical display device comprises a display monitor.
 14. The system ofclaim 11, wherein at least one of the devices is embedded into aphysical exercise machine.
 15. A computer program product for providingremote participation in events, the computer program product including acomputer-readable storage medium having computer program instructionsencoded thereon, which when executed by a computer cause the computer toimplement a method, the method comprising: providing a view of aninstance of an application on endpoint systems in response to a commonoption selected by the endpoint systems of the application; receivingperformance data from the endpoint systems; and populating the view withvirtual representations of users of each of the endpoint systems, thepopulating including positioning the virtual representations at variouslocations in the view, the various locations indicative of theperformance data.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, whereinthe view represents an event selected as the common option, the eventcomprising at least one of: a simulated exercise course; and a liveexercise course; and wherein the view includes the performance data foreach of the users and at least one of: audio comments from at least oneof the users; video comments from at least one of the users; images fromone at least one of the users; and text-based messages from at least oneof the users.
 17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein theperformance data is captured by devices of the endpoint systems, thedevices including: a performance capturing device; a communicationdevice; and a graphical display device.
 18. The computer program productof claim 17, wherein the performance capturing device comprises at leastone of: a pedometer, accelerometer, global positioning system, andsensors; and wherein types of data captured by performance capturingdevices include speed, distance, grade, and resistance.
 19. The computerprogram product of claim 17, wherein the communication device comprisesat least one of: a cellular telephone, digital camera phone, videocamera phone, personal digital assistant, general-purpose computer,telephone, voice-over-IP device, and Internet Protocol-enabledtelevision; and wherein the graphical display device comprises a displaymonitor.
 20. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein at leastone of the devices is embedded into a physical exercise machine.